NBA Draft Scouting Report: G League Ignite's Izan Almansa

Izan Almansa

Forward | G League Ignite 

Height: 6'10” | Weight: 215 lbs 

2024 Draft Age: 19.04

Prospect Profile 

A Spanish big that could be a quick riser during this draft cycle, Almansa spent the past two years with the Overtime Elite League as a double-double machine in frontcourt. Playing in that system allowed him to really try new things and play in unique roles. Now, he’ll have to button things up with the Ignite at G League level.

The 6-foot-10 big can finish with power, but is more known for his touch. Whether it’s right around the rim or out as far as 10 feet of the basket, the touch is rare for a prospect of his size and age. Almansa scores a ton on floaters and runners when that’s what the defense gives him. He also doesn’t mind putting the ball on the deck to create his own shot, leveraging a series of jabs and spins along the way.

Almansa’s jumper has a fairly slower release, but the mechanics are good for an 18-year-old big. He’s also a really good free throw shooter which important when projecting his future success as a shooter and his ability to close games. We’ll need to see more perimeter shooting in the G League this season if he really wants to solidify a spot in the lottery and prove that’s a big part of his game.

In transition, Almansa is a real offensive threat with his mobility and is starting to get more comfortable bringing the ball up the court, although he still has work to do on that front. He can play either frontcourt spot and has the frame to set good screens and is a real lob threat in pick-and-roll situations.

Overall, his feel is solid for such a young forward prospect. He has a real nose for the ball, which helps him on the offensive glass and other underrated parts of the game. The Spanish prospect is also a good slasher and puts himself in position for easy buckets when his teammates are driving.

Defensively, Almansa is a solid rim protector but needs to improve on the perimeter. If he can get better at defending smaller players, it will really raise his ceiling and make him much more versatile.

Bigger picture, Almansa is one of the more decorated international prospects in recent history. He won MVP at FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in 2023, MVP at FIBA U18 European Championship in 2022 and MVP at FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in 2021. Most recently in U19 play, he led Spain to undefeated run while averaging roughly 17 points and seven boards.

Moving forward with the Ignite, he’ll get to play alongside Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland who could both be in contention for the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Furthermore, he'll be joined by teammates Tyler Smith, Babacar Sane and Dink Pate among others who are future NBA talents.

Highlights 

Draft Projection 

Potential Lottery Pick in 2024 NBA Draft.

2024 Big Board 

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